Medical expert of the article
New publications
The age-related decline in testosterone was associated with depression and obesity
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The age-related decline in testosterone levels in men is not the result of aging, according to scientists from the University of Adelaide (Australia). According to them, the concentration of testosterone is reduced mainly due to quitting and changes in health, such as the development of obesity and depression.
The researchers analyzed the testosterone content of 1,500 men who donated blood twice every five years. After the participants were excluded, who had abnormal laboratory indicators, taking medicines or suffering from diseases affecting the level of hormones, 1,382 remained. The age of the subjects is from 35 to 80 years (the average is 54 years).
For five years, the content of testosterone in the blood of participants has decreased slightly: the indicator decreased by less than 1% per year. However, when the authors of the work analyzed the data on the subgroups of subjects, certain factors related to the decrease in testosterone level were found, which were absent at the time of the start of the study. So, the owners of a lowered level of testosterone more often were obese, smokers in the past or depressed. At the same time, scientists emphasize: although quitting smoking and can cause a decrease in the concentration of testosterone, the benefits from it are much greater.
It is noteworthy that in unmarried participants the reduction in testosterone levels was more significant than in family ones. This is explained by the fact that married people usually lead a healthier lifestyle and feel more happy.